3 road trips you MUST take this summer

The sun is shining, the blue waters of Puget Sound are sparkling, and the open road is callingsummer is finally here. And what better way to celebrate than with a road trip?From a quick half-day excursion to an overnight trip by the coast, here are three r

We discovered a foodie paradise in Seattle Southside

Seattle foodies, listen up: there’s a new kid on the regional culinary scene, and it’s located in your own backyard. The Seattle Southside cities of Tukwila, Des-Moines, and SeaTac offer some of the area’s best gastronomic experiences.

Treat yourself to a getaway with a view this summer

Some people think a vacation needs to be somewhere far away. But what if you could have a relaxing getaway in a stunning location, and you could get there on less than a tank of gas?Well, isn’t that why we live in the great Pacific Northwest? The accessibi

A Tacoma Staycation That Might Just Tempt You to Live There

There are so many reasons for Seattleites to start loving on Tacoma, and a staycation there might be just what you need if you’re tempted to start moving in that direction. As a waterfront city that doesn’t feel as big city as Seattle - it still has bespok

Photos: The world's longest race track at sea is on a cruise ship

Photos: Elegant regional cuisine at Vancouver's Hawksworth

Hawksworth is a contemporary Canadian restaurant in the heart of downtown Vancouver with dishes that reflect seasonality and its dedication to perfection.

Photos: This wildlife tour in Tofino, B.C. showed us *all* the PNW animals!

The Adventure Centre at Tofino Resort + Marina offers a number of scenic tours around the Clayoquot Sound where seals, sea lions, sea otters, porpoises, and gray whales (to name a few) can be spotted.

5 Destinations to Visit in Washington This Summer

While many people head out of state to vacation in the summer, there’s no reason to when you live in Washington. From the solitude of the San Juan Islands to the hotter climate of central Washington, there’s somewhere to go no matter what type of vacation

Tofino's Wolf in the Fog serves up "Local Legends" artisanal cocktails

Get your game on in Seattle Southside

Calling all sports fans! Did you know there are sporting events for the whole family just minutes from downtown Seattle? Whether you’re looking to dive into the action or cheer from the stands, in Seattle Southside (the cities of Tukwila, Des Moines, and S

Let’s Go Places: The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games

One of the most significant sporting events in Puget Sound history is preparing to take over Seattle’s backyard.The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games is the biggest event to hit the city in more than two decades. Over the next few days, the torch will be mak

A Beginner’s Guide to Road Tripping

Road Trips. Whether they are a fond childhood memory or a new found adventure, a great road trip takes some careful planning and an attitude for fun. The perfect road trip can be a memory for years to come but failing to plan ahead can have dire consequenc

Fantastic eats in a fantastic setting: The Hatch Waterfront Pub in Tofino

The Hatch Waterfront Pub at the Tofino Resort + Marina offers great quality eats in a fantastic setting.

Photos: Inside the signature suite of one of Vancouver's nicest hotels

The Whale Watching Company that guarantees you'll see whales

As lifelong Pacific Northwesterners, my husband and I pride ourselves on sharing the beauty of this region when family and friends come to visit. This spring, when our Chicago family decided to journey west we didn’t hesitate to book a whale watching tour

Explore Washington’s great outdoors with Honda’s fuel-efficient vehicles

Seattle is a fantastic place to live. But sometimes you need to escape the city limits and experience the open air.This summer, we’ll be taking you to various destinations in Washingtonso you can savor all that the Evergreen State has to offer. The best pa

Welcome to the Ghost Town of Franklin, WA

A hiking area overlooking the Green River Gorge, Franklin is an abandoned coal mine town just on the outskirts of Black Diamond, approximately 40 miles southeast of Seattle. A serendipitous Google search led this curious writer to the site of the erstwhile

Photos: Crispy light lagers, salty kelp stouts at Tofino Brewing Co.

Tofino Brewing Co. is the one stop shop for a good time with your friends if you are visiting the area on vacation.

5 stunning Washington parks - with beaches!

Goodness know that Washington state has some beautiful parks - but what we really want to know, especially in summer, is...which of those parks have the best beaches?! Hard to come by in the PNW, but once you find a good one - hold on tight!Spencer Spit St

Photos: Carving waves in Canada's surf capital

Let’s Go Places: Get wild in the wetlands

Coyotes, otters, and owls…oh my!Just an hour from downtown Seattle sits the Nisqually River Deltahome to bountiful and diverse wildlife, fish, and birds. It’s where the freshwater of the Nisqually River combines with the saltwater of the Puget Sound, formi

What’s in Seattle’s backyard? What we've discovered may surprise you!

Eat, play, and explore in Seattle Southside--a happenin’ hub wedged between the urban attractions of downtown and the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest.

The road trip tricks that travel pros swear by

Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s road-trip season in the Pacific Northwest.Travel is expected to increase again this summer, so it’s important to start planning your warm weather adventures now. The experts at AAA Washington passed along

Looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift? Take dad on a road trip!

Your old man is hard to shop for. And trust us when we say he doesn’t need another tie.Show your appreciation for pops this year by packing up the car for a weekend getaway or a day trip to one of these stellar Washington locations. And if your car happens

Travel Guide: 48 hours on the Cranberry Coast

Just over 2.5 hours south of Seattle you’ll find the neighboring towns of Grayland and Westport, quietly nestled along Washington’s Cranberry Coast. Tourists often head to Ocean Shores just to the north or Oregon to the south during the summer months, miss

Photos: Vancouver's specialty restaurant offers the rare Aburi Sushi concept

Tofino Spotlight: 1909 Kitchen offers fresh, locally foraged and caught cuisine

Chef Paul Moran is at the helm of Tofino Resort + Marina's signature restaurant, 1909 Kitchen.

Photos: Nisqually Wildlife Refuge is a nature lover's paradise

Island Time! Are You a Whidbey or a Camano?

Buckle up Seattleites, summer road trip season is upon us! The islands of Whidbey and Camano look like they could be spooning on a map, but in fact - they’re hardly joined at the hip. With different population sizes (Whidbey is home to roughly 64.000 peopl

Inside the West Coast's largest homeported cruise ship (complete with go kart cart track)

Back in February I took Refined cameras behind the scenes to Germany's Meyer-Werft shipyard - and it was anything but blissful. Crews worked around the clock making sure she was in tip-top shape before heading to the Northwest.The Norweigan Bliss started h

Photos: Want to catch a buzz in Vancouver? Grab a pint at Strathcona Beer Company

Strathcona Beer Company is located in Vancouver's oldest and most diverse commercial and residential neighborhood.

Adventure Seekers: Tofino Resort + Marina is the perfect fit for you

Photos: This hotel in Vancouver offers in-room IV Vitamin Treatments

Just when you thought you'd seen it all!

The best kept secret in Montana? Whitefish

Pack your bags fellow Seattlites because I just planned your next vacay.  And no pressure, but in this gal's honest opinion - you should probably book a flight to Whitefish, Montana ASAP. We're all used to the vacation go-tos: Los Angeles, Hawaii, New York

Photos: Would you cross a suspension bridge hung 230 feet in the air?

Photos: You can explore Vancouver on miniature ferry boats - annnnnd life is complete

DAW THEY ARE SOOOOO CUTE!

Photos: Crashing a Long Table Dinner in Tofino, BC was the best decision we've ever made

A hundred guests gathered around for the third annual Feast Tofino Long Table Dinner to experience the six courses prepared by local chefs, and hosted by Food Network's celebrity chef Lynn Crawford.

Let’s Go Places: Skim the legendary pond at Stevens Pass

It's the final weekend at Stevens Pass, and that means the annual Pond Skim! Folks dressed in crazy outfits bombed down the ski hill and hit a 75-foot pond. Some stayed dry, and others got soaked!

Day 4: The Three Amigos hit the Rides at Disneyland

Disneyland Resort - there are tons of attractions at every turn, not to mention RIDES. For the Refined team, that got our wheels spinning - and nothing could slow us down. I mean nothing.First stop Disney California Adventure Park.With Groot standing guard

Let's Go Places: Celebrate spring with the Tulip Festival

In Holland during the 1600s, something called Tulip Mania crashed the Dutch economy. Tulips and tulip bulbs were actively bought and sold for insanely high prices-they were said to cost 10 times more than a working man's salary, making them more valuable t

Day 3 at Pixar Fest: Together Forever

When the sun goes down, Disney California Adventure Park transforms.It becomes a dazzling technicolor dream world, illuminated by more than a million lights. This is Paint the Night - a parade unlike any you've ever seen before.Here, Disney and Pixar's fri

Pixar Play Parade at Disneyland Resort is Fun for the Whole Family!

It's one of the most iconic spots at Disneyland. Main Street. The gateway to everything the park has to offer, and the perfect setting for one of the most popular events at Pixar Fest, the Pixar Play Parade.Guests may remember it used to be over at Disney

Visit Seattle yacht sails the globe in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

What has eight legs, six ocean crossings, and takes more than 700 people to perform?No, it's not a giant tarantula, nor is it the start of a bad joke. It's the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race-known as one of the biggest challenges of the natural world a

Do you LOVE or HATE the planning part of traveling? This goes out to the haters...

Heading out on vacation is full of excitement for the adventure ahead. But before you can go, there is the planning. Where do you want to go? Where do you want to stay? What will you do while on holiday? Some people love the planning portion of a trip and

People are raving about these Olympic Peninsula attractions-find out why

Mountains, rainforests, and beaches…oh my!Just across Puget Sound lies an array of natural wonders, all conveniently located in the beautiful, yet compact, Olympic Peninsula. You may only know this region of the Northwest for Olympic National Park,

Let's Go Places: Oyster Harvesting

We all know the saying, The world is your oyster. But what you might not know is that you don't need to travel far to shuck and slurp some of the best oysters in the world.Taylor Shellfish Farms in Shamish Bay is just an hour and a half outside of Seattle

Hawaii Day 5: Learning the Hula

Enter here for your chance to win a vacation for four to Hawaii, including four nights at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa on Oahu!Refined's experience at Aulani - A Disney Resort & Spa wouldn't be complete without learning the hula. We think Gaard might be

Hawaii Day 4: Gettin' our sweat on!

Enter here for your chance to win a vacation for four to Hawaii, including four nights at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa on Oahu!Time is running out for your chance to win a dream Hawaiian vacation to Aulani - A Disney Resort & Spa. All week, we've been s

Let's go places: See the Avalanche Dogs at Stevens Pass

Located just 78 miles from Seattle, nestled in the rocky crest of the Cascade Mountains, lies Stevens Pass. It's a playground for expert skiers and a haven for people looking to get out of the city, but this natural landscape demands respect as well as app

Hawaii Day 3: It's time for Happy Hour!

Enter here for your chance to win a vacation for four to Hawaii, including four nights at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa on Oahu!All week, we are taking Refined viewers on a Hawaiian adventure, with a chance for you to win a tropical trip for four to Aula

Listen Up! Here's How You Could Win a Hawaiian Family Vacation

It’s one of our favorite times of the year – time to show you Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa! You don’t just have to see how much fun we’re having in Hawaii - you actually get a chance to head there too!Just enter below for your chance to win a vacation f

Hawaii Day 1: Aulani - A Disney Resort & Spa

Enter here for your chance to win a vacation for four to Hawaii, including four nights at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa on Oahu!It's that time of year when you  might start planning your spring and summer getaways. And one of the hottest destinations rig

Seattleites - Consider Heading Down Under For Amazing Adventure

My family and I recently embarked on what was a dream trip for me. I’ve been obsessed with Australia since I was a child. My extensive koala bear stuffed animal collection filled my days along with learning the all the words to Australian nursery rhymes li

Photos: If you like over-the-top luxury, you'll love the new downtown hotel

Let's Go Places: Emerald City Comic Con

Seattle is home to a lot of awesome people and places, but there’s only one time a year where you can REALLY let your inner-geek out! Yup, we’re talking about Emerald City Comic Con.The massive event brings superfans together for a truly unique experience

All aboard the Love Boat, complete with Little Vicki

Little Vicki - err, I mean Jill Whelan - is now 51-years-young. She's married, still dabbles in acting, and holds a new title these days - the Celebration Ambassador to Princess Cruises.So who better to give us a tour of one of the Princess Love Boats comi

San Diego Travel Guide: The Do's and Don'ts

Let's Go Places: The stunning snow geese of Skagit Valley

There is a lot to love about Western Washington. The people, the vibe, the sports teams. One thing in particular that seems to consistently amaze is just how photogenic the state can be. Photographers travel from all over the country to get a glimpse of th

Photos: A Non-Gambler's Guide to Having Fun in Vegas

Yes, it's possible.

11 ways to fly more comfortably (including compression socks!)

Flying is a part of almost all our lives but honestly it has become uncomfortable and a huge hassle. Make flying comfortable and healthy so your next trip is a blast instead of a drag. Being able to see different parts of the world is exciting but the actu

Let's Go Places: The breathtaking adventure right outside of the city

Both adventure enthusiast and families simply looking for a good Sunday hike need not look any further than the glorious, breathtaking trail at Franklin Falls at Snoqualmie Pass. Obviously, the people of Seattle had to check it out.At less than a mile long

Photos: Snowy Franklin Falls is a breath-taking gem right outside the city

Diamonds: A City’s Best Friend

Seattle is known for being a hip and trendy place, and now the city has the Diamonds to prove it! The Seattle area has added not one, not two, not three, but FOUR new AAA Four Diamond hotels to their list of elite properties. In total, Washington State has

Hey Adventure-Seekers, This is the Car for You

In the Pacific Northwest, there are countless adventures you can head out on. From the city to country, mountains to sound - the great outdoors are even GREATER up here. But to get to all those places, you need a car that can handle anything. Never was thi

National Geographic names Olympia one of the 29 Best Small Cities in America

We've said it before, we'll say it again - Olympia doesn't get the kudos it deserves! Well, National Geographic (and us, of course - but NatGeo is a slightly bigger deal - we guess) is changing that.The magazine compiled a list of the 29 Best Small Cities

Next time you go to Mexico, skip Cabo and head to Riviera Maya

I asked my new husband to be in charge of a couple things pertaining to our wedding - and picking a honeymoon spot was one of them. Having never been to Mexico before and with the crazy amount of all inclusive resorts all over, this decision was one that I

Insider tips on the best winter hiking in Juneau

For outdoor enthusiasts, avid hikers and free spirits, Juneau, AK presents unmatched opportunities for adventure. Only two and a half hours from Seattle by plane, this city boasts thirty-odd trailheads within minutes of downtown.Several trailheads are a sh

Photos: This six-mile dogsled ride we took in Leavenworth was the highlight of our year

A quick trip to Juneau, AK is the relaxing getaway we all need

If holiday festivities often leave you feeling eager for a low-key getaway and you actually manage to scrape together some time off, there’s no better place to spend it than in Juneau, AK. Here are a few highlights.

The most festive activities in Seattle are just a short trip away

The holidays are in full swing in Seattle, but if you think you've seen it all before, you might be surprised by what you're missing out on. Some of the best activities are just a short seaplane ride or boat cruise away.Christmas in Victoria, British Colum

Girls’ Getaway! The perfect stop is Tulalip Resort Casino

These days, it’s hard to connect in person when you live a busy life, especially if you are a mother of young children. But if you’re looking to sneak away for a girls’ getaway, Tulalip Resort Casino, just 30 minutes north of Seattle, is a great way to rel

6 memory-making moments that will turn a Semiahmoo trip into a tradition

Though traditions are often rooted in the activities of years past, they also change along with the people who uphold them. If you’re looking to put a fresh spin on your seasonal traditions, look no further than Semiahmoo Resort.This coastal retreat a mere

Enter the Wacky World of Marsh's Free Museum in Long Beach

Home of Jake the Alligator Man.

Everything you must do in Enumclaw, the 'Gateway to Mt. Rainier'

There's nothing quite like standing in the shadow of Mount Rainier. Ever seen Gilmore Girls? Enumclaw is about as Stars Hollow as it gets here on the west coast. About 50 miles south east of Seattle, Enumclaw is an idyllic getaway that lies right under the

Photos: No matter the season, Poo Poo Point is worth the trek

Wordplay entirely aside...

Win a two-night seaside escape to Semiahmoo Resort

Surrounded by water on three sides with incredible mountain views, Semiahmoo Resort, Golf, and Spa’s iconic setting has an immediate effect on the visitor, fostering calm, relaxation, and rejuvenation. In less than two hours from Seattle you can engage in

Get an insider's look at Semiahmoo Resort, the idyllic winter getaway

Photos: The largest, most beautiful Starbucks just opened in Shanghai

Enjoy the charms of Langley, WA with this special Clipper Vacations Christmas giveaway

If you have family coming to visit for the holidays, you might already be thinking about which local highlights you want to show off. Even if you’re not expecting visitors, the holidays are a great time to enjoy some of Washington’s charming towns and smal

Photos: Following the cranberry harvest, from farm to table (literally)

Ah, the sweet sweet life of a cranberry.

Stonehenge? In Washington? You betcha

If you've ever driven I-84 through Oregon, you may have noticed a near-perfect replica of Stonehenge perched atop a bluff on the Washington side of the Columbia River. Why is it there? I'm glad you asked!  Goldendale Washington's Stonehenge replica was bui

Photos: It's hard to decide whether the views or the food are better at Salt Hotel & Pub

Photos: When it comes to local food, Pickled Fish isn't playing games

All the cranberries used in their dishes come from right across the way.

Photos: We crashed a cranberry harvest in Long Beach, WA - and it was EPIC

It's just like those commercials - but cooler! And in our state!

Photos: Who needs a hotel when you could stay in vintage travel trailers?

Hotels are SO last year.

7 ways to get crazy cozy at Semiahmoo Resort this fall

If winter is the season to be jolly, fall is the season to be cozy. There’s nothing quite like soaking in the crisp air and slanting sun of an autumn afternoon, and there’s nothing quite like curling up by the fire afterward.Here’s how Semiahmoo Resort off

5 short flights from Seattle that will transport you worlds away

Strapped for time but itching to get on a plane and get away? Don't worry, we've got you covered with these five speedy quick flights that will ensure you spend more time carpe-ing diems rather than sitting in a metal tube halfway between start and finish.

Delight in a winter wonderland at Suncadia Resort's Winterfest

The season of sweaters, hot cocoa and cozy nights by the fire is fast approaching, and there’s no better place to spend it than at Suncadia Resort. Only two hours outside of Seattle, Suncadia offers fun family activities throughout the year and has a speci

Travel Guide: 48 hours on Camano Island

Just about an hour north of Seattle lies a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a few hours...Camano Island, the perfect place to spend a day or a weekend away.Zoom up I-5 and start your day with a a stop at Camano Island Coffe

How to have the best girlfriends' weekend ever in Friday Harbor

By the time September rolls around it may be too late to take a summer vacation, but that should be of little concern because Friday Harbor on beautiful San Juan Island, falls within the Olympic Rain Shadow, where sun and warmer weather extend summer all t

Port Renfrew gives nature lovers tons to see and do

If you appreciate relaxing road trips with stunning views, driving the 180-mile loop around Vancouver Island known as the Pacific Marine Circle Route could be an awesome next adventure.An easy way to start is by booking a Victoria Sea and Sky Package from 

Swinomish Casino & Lodge is enhancing your experience

Swinomish Casino & Lodge has long been a beautiful and entertaining place for a weekend getaway, and ongoing upgrades throughout the casino and lodge are making it even better.Located in Anacortes, minutes west of Burlington and just off Highway 20, Swinom

Driving the Pacific Marine Circle Route makes for a delightful (& delicious) adventure

The 180 mile drive around Vancouver Island known as the Pacific Marine Circle Route is ideal for a road trip, and it’s perfectly suited to those who appreciate breathtaking vistas, slow food, great wine and a little bit of Pacific Northwest history.A conve

The best weekend getaway for couples who want to go big

Let’s be real: few things on hand are bigger than an 8,328-foot-high stratovolcano. If you’re in need of a little romantic getaway that includes a lot of adventure, Mt. St. Helens is the perfect place to go.

6 reasons why fall is the best time to Savor the San Juans

There’s no denying that the San Juan Islands are lovely in the summer, but there’s a reason that the official Savor the San Juans celebration is in the fall. The fall harvest season is one of the best times to sample the local bounty of these picturesque i

Find your perfect Northwestern escape at Suncadia

Pick a homesite and custom build your dream home, or choose from move-in-ready houses, condominiums, and cabins in three distinctively delightful neighborhoods of Suncadia. When you buy, you can make your time at Suncadia both a getaway and a homecoming.